10. Software Lockup
Occasionally analysis software will lock (i.e.
stop responding to input). It is important that these problems
are handled properly in order to avoid corrupting the file systems
on the computer. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD THE COMPUTER
BE POWERED OFF WITHOUT FOLLOWING THE PROPER SHUTDOWN PROCEDURES.
It is rarely necessary to power down the computer. Most
problems are due to a loss of communication between the hardware
and software of the system. If you experience a software problem
you can attempt to correct it by following these steps until the
problem is corrected. These remedies are presented in order of
increasing desperation and should be attempted in this order.
1. If only one program stops responding, you may
be able to continue by using the Reset Analysis routine. (Initialize
Reset Analyses). Select Hard Reset and click OK. A terminal
window will open up and you will be asked to confirm the hard
reset. Respond affirmatively. After several minutes the offending
program should disappear and the terminal window will close. You
should now be able to restart the program and continue normally.
2. If the program still will not run use the System
Reset routine (Initialize System Reset). A terminal window will
open and you will be asked for confirmation respond affirmatively.
After several minutes the offending program should disappear and
the terminal window will close. You should now be able to restart
the program and continue normally.
3. If it is possible close all windows on the screen except for the main menu. Under the INITIALIZE panel select the END OF MENU item. Answer YES when asked if you want to end the menu. Wait at least 60 seconds. Click on the root (background) and select EPMA MENU from the list that appears.
Eventually the menu will appear again. If you are
still having problems go to the next step
4. This procedure may possibly shift the stage slightly and require that analysis points be checked and possibly reset. Therefore it should only be used as a last resort. Close the EPMA menu (Initialise End of Menu). When all the EPMA software has closed, go to the back of the console and flip down a white toggle switch marked OPER PWR. You will hear a "thunk". Wait approximately 10 seconds and turn the power back on. You should hear musical notes at this point. Wait at least one minute, Click on the root (background) and select EPMA MENU from the list that appears.
Eventually the menu will appear again. If you still
can't run the software properly it is best to consult with lab
personnel